What is Competency-Based Education?

Summary

In this talk, Justin Reich, a professor at MIT and director of the Teaching Systems Lab, explores the evolving landscape of competency-based education (CBE). He discusses how CBE shifts focus from time-based learning to mastering well-defined competencies. Schools across the world are experimenting with CBE, with varying success. Reich emphasizes the importance of equity, personalized learning paths, and ongoing assessments in CBE. He highlights the challenges and opportunities CBE presents for teachers, students, and educational systems, offering insights into how schools are rethinking traditional approaches to teaching and learning for the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 CBE (Competency-Based Education) emphasizes mastery of specific skills rather than completing tasks within fixed timeframes.
• 😀 Students have more flexibility in how they learn, allowing them to progress at their own pace based on demonstrated competencies.
• 😀 Teachers and schools help students track their progress toward competencies, ensuring clarity on learning goals.
• 😀 Unlike traditional education, CBE involves ongoing assessments instead of single, summative tests to measure student progress.
• 😀 In the best implementations of CBE, students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency and receive support when needed.
• 😀 CBE allows for personalized learning pathways, with students receiving tailored interventions when struggling with specific concepts.
• 😀 The key goal of CBE is to ensure that every student masters foundational skills before moving on to more complex material.
• 😀 Competency-based education is being experimented with across the world, with mixed results in different districts and regions.
• 😀 Equity is a central focus in CBE, as it aims to address the specific needs of struggling students by identifying and providing appropriate supports.
• 😀 CBE requires a significant commitment of resources, time, and energy from schools and educators, making its implementation challenging but potentially transformative.
• 😀 The complexity of CBE arises from the variety of definitions and the scope of competencies, with some schools implementing smaller-scale refinements, while others make broader systemic changes.

Q & A

What is the main focus of competency-based education (CBE)?

CBE focuses on ensuring that students master well-defined competencies, rather than just spending a set amount of time in class. The goal is to allow for flexible learning pathways based on individual student needs and mastery.

How does competency-based education differ from traditional education models?

In traditional education, the amount of time spent on a subject is fixed, but CBE shifts the focus to whether students can demonstrate mastery of specific competencies, allowing them to progress at their own pace.

What role do competencies play in CBE?

Competencies are clear, specific skills or knowledge that students are expected to master. In CBE, competencies guide the curriculum, assessment, and learning pathways for students, ensuring they know exactly what is expected of them.

How are students assessed in a competency-based system?

Assessment in CBE is ongoing, with multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their competency. If a student fails a test or section, they are given more support and the chance to try again, rather than moving on to new material.

What is the challenge with defining competencies in CBE?

There is no single, universally agreed-upon definition of competencies in CBE. Some competencies are specific to a subject, while others are broader, leading to varied interpretations and implementations across different schools.

How does CBE address equity in education?

CBE aims to address equity by providing personalized support to students who are struggling. It helps ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to master foundational skills before moving on to more advanced content.

What are some common challenges schools face when implementing CBE?

Schools face challenges such as resistance to change, the need for significant resources and time, and difficulties in aligning CBE with existing structures. Additionally, there is often confusion over the proper scope and definitions of competencies.

How do different schools implement CBE?

Some schools refine traditional teaching methods, using competency-based report cards and instructional approaches, while others radically rethink their systems, including time management, assessments, and learning pathways to create a more student-centered environment.

What is the role of teachers in a competency-based education system?

Teachers in CBE environments help students understand the competencies they need to master, guide them in tracking their progress, and provide additional support when needed. Teachers also work closely with students to address learning gaps and ensure mastery.

What does the transcript suggest about the future of CBE?

The transcript suggests that while CBE presents challenges, it holds great potential for rethinking how we approach teaching and learning. Its future success depends on thoughtful implementation, a focus on equity, and ongoing reflection on what works best for each student and school context.